Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.

Hello. I am Courtney. I’ve lived in Ventura County my whole life. Giving back to my community and helping those who need direction is very important to me. I received my undergraduate degree from Cal State Channel Islands University in Psychology. I graduated from Alliant International University with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently working with clients that are young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients that are: a part of the LGBTQ+ community, mood disorders, anxiety, separation anxiety, ADHD, grief, postpartum depression, and navigating transitional life stages. How I ensure my clients feel heard and understood in sessions is, I tend to ask at the end of my sessions how the session went. It’s important to me my clients’ feel like they are in a safe talking space and they are feeling heard. When working with clients I like to meet the client where they are in their journey to healing. I am passionate about giving my clients the tools to support healthy coping skills and helping clients gain agency in their lives. The types of modalities that I like to use during my sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aspects of Dialectic Behavioral Health (DBT),and strength based therapy.

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help individuals heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Witnessing people transform—whether overcoming trauma, managing stress, feeling better about oneself, or improving relationships—gives me a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles and gain the tools to thrive. The resilience in each of us and the power of healing inspire me daily, and drive me to continually refine my approach and use effective methods like EMDR and mindfulness to support lasting change and well-being. Since 1992 I have worked in private practice, agencies, and hospital settings with a wide range of people who seek help in handling stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, transition, stage of life issues, relationship concerns, body image concerns, compulsive eating, and crises. A main specialty is recovery from trauma and abuse and I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)–a very effective tool–as well as techniques from other trauma therapies. I have an integrative approach and use tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress management and skill-building; cognitive-behavioral elements; parts work; focusing on strengths; and psycho-education. I am warm and approachable and my clients say that I make them feel safe and accepted. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. To ensure clients feel heard and understood, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where active listening is central. I validate their feelings, reflect back their words and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration. I regularly check in with clients for feedback on our work together, ensuring our approach is collaborative and aligned with their needs and goals. By integrating various therapeutic tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I offer a personalized approach that fosters trust and empathy, which helps clients feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and heard. I demonstrate empathy, consistency, and respect, which helps people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I am warm and compassionate and clients sense this. I honor each person’s experience and story. I am very comfortable with emotions and the truth of one’s experience, which helps clients be comfortable with their truth and sharing that with me. I actively listen and validate the emotions, while also being transparent about the therapeutic process. By tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and using techniques like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I foster collaboration and a sense of empowerment. Regular check-ins and feedback ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the client’s goals, reinforcing the trust and partnership essential to effective healing.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by a deep curiosity about human behavior and a genuine desire to support others through life’s challenges. I’ve always been drawn to understanding how our experiences, relationships, and inner worlds shape who we are. Over time, this evolved into a passion for helping people feel less alone, more understood, and more empowered in their lives—especially during vulnerable seasons like the perinatal period or times of emotional overwhelm. I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without fear of judgment. I listen with intention, reflect with care, and ask thoughtful questions to truly understand your experiences. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches, I help you connect not just with your thoughts, but also with your emotions and body. My goal is for you to feel seen, validated, and supported every step of the way. Working together is a collaborative process. We’ll move at your pace, focusing on what feels most important to you. In our sessions, we’ll explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop practical tools you can use in your daily life. Trust is built through consistency, openness, and respect—I show up authentically, and I invite you to do the same. Over time, this creates a strong therapeutic relationship where growth and healing can unfold naturally. Outside of my work, I’m someone who deeply appreciates the little things—whether it’s a good cup of coffee, time in nature, or moments of quiet reflection. I believe that small joys can have a big impact on our well-being, and I try to bring that same sense of balance and presence into both my life and my work.

I work with clients of all ages, including students using a variety of modalities including cognitive-based strategies, somatic therapeutics and EMDR trauma reprocessing. I've worked in student affairs, was a clinical supervisor for graduate students for 10 years and now have a private practice where I love supporting students. I have a sliding fee scale to make therapy more affordable. I specialize in supporting LGBTQI+ students, reducing anxiety, supporting those managing illness or illness with a loved one, and when it fits, incorporating yoga, meditation and somatics. I'm a mix of east-coast-straightforwardness with California-anything-is-possible. My style is approachable, down to earth, and solutions-focused.

A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, driven, and hard on themselves. You might look like you have it together, but inside you’re stressed, burnt out, or quietly questioning everything. In our work together, we’ll slow things down, get curious about what’s going on, and build tools that help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. I’m warm, straightforward, and collaborative. Therapy with me is a supportive space to be yourself, feel understood, and make college life feel more manageable.

Congratulations in starting this journey! Initially reaching out for support is often one of the most challenging steps of treatment. I love working with clients who have found the courage to take on that first obstacle and started looking for help. I believe in people where they are at in terms of their emotional lives and working to guide them where they want to be. I love working with people who are willing to put in effort to reduce their own suffering and lead a more authentic life.

I treat individuals who are experiencing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and related conditions of anxious rumination and Binge Eating Disorder. My treatment approach primarily uses the gold-standard of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) while also addressing issues of trauma and family dynamics. I approach the treatment of emotional eating with a skills based DBT approach, emphasizing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.

Hi, I'm Amanda and I'm so glad you're here! Chances are if you've made it to my page, you're looking for support through a challenging time, are ready to make some changes, or are hoping to simply maintain a healthy and balanced life. For whatever season of life you're currently in, I'm here to offer care with empathy and compassion. As a licensed therapist and board certified health coach, I have over 10 years of experience supporting clients in the mental health and wellness space. I use strength-based approaches and nervous system awareness in my practice. Holding a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space is at the core of the work I do. In our work together you'll see me pull from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based CBT, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Currently, I primarily offer virtual appointments with limited in-person availability. I accept some insurances (Aetna, Anthem, UHC) and if you are out of network I'm happy to supply a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for out-of -network reimbursement. Outside of work, I enjoy comic books, swimming, surfing, spending time in nature with my Goldendoodle, Ziggy Stardust, and watching the Great British Baking Show with my partner.

I am a clinical psychologist and provide evidence-based treatment for problems including anxiety (and related disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and trichotillomania), depression and many other conditions, such as trauma and grief, substance abuse, adjustment difficulties or problems in interpersonal relationships. While I work with adults of all ages, I specialize in working with young adults (ages 18-28) and have worked in several college counseling centers, including Princeton University, where I completed my post-doctoral residency. Taking a holistic approach, I make sure that we focus not only on the symptoms but on your overall wellbeing. I create a safe and warm environment, where we work as a team to help you live a meaningful life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to help answer any questions that you may have prior to start of treatment.

We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we are here to create a therapeutic environment that fosters real positive changes. It is our goal to assist you in becoming your best and most authentic self. Because of the uniqueness of the human experience we don't believe in a one size fits all model of therapy, therefore we tailor treatment specifically designed to meet your own unique goals and challenges.

Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health program for adolescents and young adults with moderate or severe mental health concerns or co-occurring substance use or eating disorders. Designed to meet the needs of those who require more than weekly therapy, our program combines curated group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy into personalized treatment programs. We are helping to serve those who are in crisis, or have been historically underserved, by eliminating the most significant treatment barriers: geographical and financial access. We work with nearly all commercial insurance nationwide and have no waitlist, thereby helping people access quality, evidence-based care regardless of insurance, location, or other barriers.

If you feel everything deeply, have been called “too sensitive,” or your mind never seems to turn off, you’re in the right place. You may have spent so much time understanding others and making sense of the world around you, but rarely feel that same care or depth of understanding reflected back to you. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand what it's like to experience the world this way. Our work will focus on helping you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface so you can better understand your emotions, trust your instincts, and move through life with more self-trust and clarity. I specialize in Highly Sensitive People, children, Gen Z (teens & young adults), and neurodivergence/ADHD. Together, we’ll explore patterns, past experiences, and the emotional landscape shaping your life. My approach is warm, deeply attuned, and insight-oriented, grounded in a strengths-based, emotionally-focused, and attachment-aware approach. Clients often say I have “big sister energy”: I notice what’s unspoken, help make sense of complicated emotions, and always have your back. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands your depth and can help you turn your sensitivity into a strength, I would be honored to support you. Book a consultation through my website today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

My educational, professional, and personal experiences, combined with a profound desire to help people heal and grow, are the foundation of my work as a psychotherapist. I provide a space where you are free to explore and share yourself. I strive to create an environment that allows you to safely discuss, reflect, uncover, and change. My ability to help people feel safe, accepted and welcome has been the cornerstone of my success as a psychotherapist. You may come as you are to address the things that are affecting you today.

Based in the SF Bay Area, I offer trauma-informed psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress, addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, and related life challenges, as well as support for positive growth and insight building. I primarily utilize a combination of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and IFS (internal family systems) therapies to provide a somatic and source-focused approach to healing. I educate my clients on the universality of traumatic and addictive experiences. I define trauma broadly as any past experience that remains charged and disturbing, and thus has value in alleviating mental health challenges in the present. It's helpful to understand how traumatic and addictive elements exists in all of us and are not static, but rather ebb and flow as reverberations of past experiences (and those of our family of origin). l frame the looping amplification of addiction as stemming from a healthy evolutionary need to feel safe and easeful, but in a way that can become self-destructive through the distortion of trauma that resides in our nervous systems, until processed.

Hi, I'm Kerianne! I'm a mixed-race and queer Asian-American therapist. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients with various issues relating to identity development, anxiety, multiculturalism, life transitions, and ADHD. I work collaboratively to cultivate a open, warm, and welcoming space for processing your experiences and beliefs. I often ask a lot of questions to help best understand yourself and what might work best for you.

What inspired me to become a therapist is my belief that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in life. My own path to becoming an LMFT began in my mid-30s, which gives me a personal understanding of how powerful growth and change can be at any stage. Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve enjoyed supporting people through challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and women’s issues. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I work collaboratively with you to explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want. I often use tools from Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you gain insight, build skills, and feel empowered to make changes. Building trust is an important part of the process. In the first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you, answering any questions you have about therapy, and creating a safe, supportive space where you can speak openly. Seeking therapy takes courage, and my goal is to create a respectful and collaborative environment where we can work together toward your goals. A lighthearted detail I sometimes share is that I really enjoy all forms of entertainment, especially movies, TV, listening to music and going to live music events. It helps me recharge and stay grounded, and it’s something that often resonates with people who are also looking for ways to care for their well-being.